Sharks target maximum points and Currie Cup play-off place against Bulls

The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV close out the Carling Currie Cup pool stages on Friday evening (7.10pm) when they host the Vodacom Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in a match the two teams have contrasting ambitions.

For the Pretoria side, this has been a tough campaign but the five bonus points they have accrued in their six defeats suggests that they were always competitive during a disappointing campaign.

“It’s another tough one, in this Carling Currie Cup, there are no easy games,” admits Sharks XV head coach Mike Vowles.

“But we are looking forward to playing at the tank. It’s a real privilege to play there.

“We’ll be up for it!”

His team certainly have everything to play for. A full house bonus point win would elevate them meaningfully up the table and with a semi-final berth up for grabs, they will relish the opportunity of following up last week’s 80-minute performance with another big effort in their first game at home, having played their local fixtures serving the communities of KwaMashu and Pietermaritzburg respectively.

Vowles has the good fortune of having continuity on his side, making just one change to last week’s starting line-up where Hanu Pieterse returns, playing at No 8 with Tino Mavasere moving to the side of the scrum as he takes over from Jean-Henri Smit at flank.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Lyle Matthews, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga; 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude (capt); 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Meno Barnard, 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen; 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Danio Botha, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Albie Bester.

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Aka Boqwana, 14 Ruan Enslin, 13 Marnus Rademeyer, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 11 Riyaad Bam; 10 Ian Van der Merwe, 9 Keagan Johannes (capt); 8 Chinedu Amadi, 7 Cephas van Biljon, 6 Kebotile Maake; 5 Heinrich Theron, 4 Johnathan Eloff; 3 Arno Gustafson, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Sandi Msengana. Replacements: 16 Jaundrè Schoeman, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Duwan Potgieter, 19 Jacques Swarts, 20 Abongile Nonkontwana, 21 Dieter Schubert, 22 Brooklyn Newman, 23 Lavela Pongolo.